Gol D. Ace In Coiling Dragon

After hearing the rest of Ace’s plan, the eyes of everyone lit up in understanding. Although it wasn’t simple, it was still feasible. Still, his classmates understood that the majority of it hinged on them and the amount of progress they’d be able to make between now and then.

Knowing they had no time to waste, Killian led Alissa and the others away so each of them could begin their training immediately.

“Unless there’s anything else, I think I’ll head out too,” Cirulus said respectfully as he got up to make his way out of the hall. “I’ll work on a plan for training the regular soldiers in our army. If you really intend to turn them into a small elite force in the future, I’ll have my work cut out for me.”

“No, that’s all from me,” Ace nodded. “Ooh and Cirulus, thanks again for all your hard work, but don’t forget to focus on your own training as well.”

“I will, don’t worry,” Cirulus nodded as he took his leave.

“What about the rest of us?” Wukong asked. “Do we really have to sit around waiting until a saint-level expert pops out before we get to have some fun?”

“I thought none of the seniors from the Pavilion were allowed to get involved with my extracurricular activities?” Ace asked.

“They’re not because they’re active members of the sect,” Wukong explained. “But because this king’s an acolyte as well, I’m free to do as I please.”

“You…”

“Before you ask, no, this king didn’t choose this path for you,” Wukong snorted as he rolled his eyes when he saw the expression on Ace’s face. “This king would just get too bored being cooped up in the Pavilion all the time, and being with you is likely to bring this king the most excitement.”

Ace had known Wukong for over half of his second life; between that and his [Observation], how could he not understand that that was just an excuse – for the most part?

Although he had been too preoccupied with trying to support his mother and control his emotions last year whilst running away from O’Brien’s disciples to really take in what was happening around him, he still remembers the intense emotions Wukong radiated when he saw them.

It was the first time he had ever seen Wukong truly angry, and the fact that it was on his behalf only went to show just how much Wukong cared for him.

Even now, as much as he tried to hide it, he could feel Wukong’s concern for his safety. How could he feel anything but warmth?

There were no words that he could use to truly show his appreciation for this older brother-like figure. Still, he internally wrote it down and promised to one day repay it however possible in the future.

“Do you wanna have a taste of this king’s stick?” Wukong glared threateningly when he saw the expression on Ace’s face.

“Haha, my bad,” Ace shook his head hurriedly. “In answer to your question, yeah, for now, all we can do is wait for our enemies to start sending their saints, but something tells me it won’t be long before you have more than your fair share of action.

Until then, though, between me, you, Mira, and Leo, we have four experts whose strength has reached the saint level, so each of us can follow one division in case a saint really does decide to take action.”

“How boring,” Wukong sighed as he stood up. “This king might as well take the third division. That Dawson brat needs some training – I refuse to let him continue making our element look so weak!”

“Ooh, before I forget,” Wukong added as he approached the door. “If they’re serious about supporting you, Killian and the others will need to apply to forfeit their positions as Core Disciples and become Acolytes as well.

If not, it’ll make things tricky for the Pavilion in the future.”

“I understand,” Ace nodded. “I’ll speak to them.”

“Leave it for now. Wait till the six months are up and see how everyone feels then. If they all still want to continue, I’ll take them back, and we can all apply together,” Mira said. “As for my division, I’ll lead Division Four. I don’t trust you to take care of Faye; you’ve hurt her enough already.”

“That’s fine,” Ace smiled wryly. “I guess I’ll take Kannal and Osiris, leaving Killian and Alissa with you, Leo.”

“Leave it to me, boss!” Leo said via their connection.

“What about you, Linley?” Ace asked, turning his head to their guests. “Don’t tell me you want to join our army as well.”

“No thanks,” Linley shook his head decisively. “We were just going to wait here until Lord Cesar returns with the Undying Secret Manual for Barker and his brothers.”

“Your loss,” Ace shrugged. “What do you intend on doing next anyway?”

“Well, we’ve already collected all the ingredients for the cure for my mother’s tainted soul,” Linley revealed. “After finishing up here, I’ll head to the O’Brien Empire to see my mom and brother and hopefully convince them to return with us.”

“Return?” Ace asked with a teasing smile. “So you really do intend on sponging off me?”

“Not exactly,” Linley responded as he fearlessly met Ace’s gaze, the corners of his lips creeping up to form a provocative smile. “I intend to return to the Anarchic lands to begin restoring my Baruch Clan’s former glory, rebuilding the Baruch Empire…

I hope you don’t mind a little competition!”

Hearing that, a blank expression appeared on Ace’s face before he erupted in laughter. “Haha, of course not! Just make sure not to go down too early; I wanna be the one to crush your little lizard clan.”

“Don’t worry,” Linley sneered. “I have no intention of losing again, not to the church and not to you!”

“You tell him, boss!” Gates – the youngest of the five Armand brothers – cheered.

Hearing that and seeing the unwavering confidence in Linley’s eyes, the blood coursing through Ace’s veins thrummed with excitement. He couldn’t help but feel thankful. He hoped Linley would eventually become an expert qualified to be his rival, and although there was still a bit of a gap between the two teens, it genuinely appeared to be shaping up in that way.

“Ooh, and before you go,” Ace said as he retrieved a small book from his storage ring. “This might be of some help to you for the future.”

Linley didn’t read the book there; he had already overstayed his welcome. He calmly stood up and led his group out of the hall.

“What happened to your promise to surrender your life to Ace after destroying the church?” Hogg asked, a smile forming on his lips as he looked proudly at his maturing son.

Hogg had already been told of his deal with Ace. And like any father in his position, he had been outraged. He refused to let his eldest son, his pride and joy, their clan’s only hope of making a comeback, give his life to another man, even if that other man had effectively saved his son and wife.

It was back then that Doehring Cowart revealed himself to Hogg for the first time and explained his take on the situation.

“Master was right,” Linley said with a smile. “Ace has no interest in killing me or making me his subordinate. If I want to repay him, I need to grow into an expert who could become a worthy rival for him.

That being said. When we get to our rooms, I’ll be your guardian while you ingest Ignus’ blood. It’s about time you also awaken your bloodline.”

Back in the hall, Milianna was smiling as she looked at her only son.

“Have I got something on my face?” Ace asked.

“Haha, no, I just don’t think I’ve ever seen you this happy,” Milianna revealed.

“I guess I am,” Ace smiled as he thought back fondly of memories from his last life. “Don’t get me wrong, I love everyone at the Pavilion, and I appreciate everything they’ve done for us, but the idea of starting a new adventure with my friends and family by my side, not being tied down by anyone or anything…

This is much more my style!”

“I can tell,” Milianna smiled as she stroked Ace’s cheeks. “Just be careful; the lives of the residents of this city are now your responsibility. Try not to be too reckless.”

“My responsibility?” Ace asked curiously. “Don’t you mean ours? If this is to be the Gol Empire, as my mother, wouldn’t that make you the Empress and me just a prince…”

Most would probably be jumping for joy at such an opportunity, but Milianna merely raised an eyebrow as she easily saw through her son’s intention.

“You think I don’t know you?” Milianna rolled her eyes. “We both know you’re just trying to avoid any of the ‘boring’ work.”

Ace didn’t respond, but the devious grin on his face spoke volumes.

“You really are hopeless!” Lance sighed. “You haven’t changed a bit since you were a kid!”

“I’m doing this for your sake, too,” Ace explained ‘sincerely’. “When the time comes, you’ll be an Emperor!”

“Me?” Lance voiced, unable to hide his shock. “Emperor?!”

“Ace is right!” Milianna nodded as she took his hand with a smile, slowly leading him out of the room. “As the future husband of Empress Gol D. Milianna, that would, of course, make you Emperor Lance Gol!”